Dear Editor,

The relationship between politicians and the poor never ceases to amaze me.

Most politicians profess undying love for the poor yet they rarely, if ever, propose or implement any radical, meaningful, or far-reaching policies to alleviate their suffering and move them to a state of self-reliance and independence.

When politicians say they love the poor, I assume they mean they recognise and empathise with the plight of the poor and will do all in their power to improve their lot, but the cynic in me now believes this never-ending love is about exploitation and votes.

I hope I am wrong, but the fact that most politicians spend the majority of their time campaigning and cavorting in the most underprivileged areas of a constituency while the deplorable condition of the housing stock and the environment continues unabated year after year suggests politicians are more in love with the votes of the poor than they are with the poor.

The poor, on the other hand, are so brainwashed and tribal in their thinking they never stop to consider that voting for the same party election after election has not resulted in any substantial improvements in their life or living conditions. The only reward for their loyalty is continued poverty, crime, violence, and politicians’ professed love.

It appears to me that genuine love for the poor would see politicians encouraging the poor to take responsibility for their lives instead of depending on their political representatives to care for them from cradle to grave in exchange for votes. I am not suggesting the poor should be ignored, just saying able-bodied, strong, and healthy people should be encouraged to develop their independence, leaving the State to care for those who are genuinely in need.

When will the poor realise they have to look out for themselves and stop relying on politicians? Of course, the occasional success story will emerge from the inner cities, but it will always be the exception and part of the plot to keep the votes flowing. The vast majority will continue to be numbered among the beloved poor.

Politicians will not upset the status quo, as the only people they love more than the poor is the business class that provides funding for political campaigns. The poor had better start looking out for themselves as politicians’ love has not provided better housing, proper roads, piped water in their communities, and hope for a better life for them and their children.

It is past time the poor demand more than love for their votes.

Wayne Plummer

Greater Portmore

wayne.r.plummer@gmail.com